KOOTASCA

Zoom Home Stretch Homebuyer Workshop - Day 2/2
2020-12-03 17:00 - 21:30, 2020-10-15 16:00 - 20:30 (America/Chicago) | Online
Are you thinking of buying a home but don’t know how to start?
Join us for a virtual class!
October 13th and 15th
4:00pm to 8:30pm
Registration fee of $40.00 per household for your class materials
Call Sandy at 218-999-0828 to register.
Long-term successful homeownership starts with solid information. Home Stretch is an in-person – classroom style – workshop taught by experienced professionals. Get objective, practical information to make the best homeownership choices for you and your family.
Homebuyer Workshop Topics:

Qualifying for a mortgage/loan programs
Budgeting, credit issues, and saving for a home
Shopping for a home and realtor services
Professional inspections/appraisals
Closing/title insurance/homeowners insurance
Financial responsibilities as a homeowner
Pre-purchase counseling services
Down-payment and Closing Cost assistance for eligible buyers
Special loans for first-time homebuyers and other offers
And more!

You’ll leave our workshop with confidence, great resources, and a Home Stretch Certification! Down-payment and closing cost assistance, of up to $5,000, is available for income eligible buyers!
If you are in need of accommodation (e.g. a sign language interpreter, materials in large print, etc.) please contact us two weeks prior to this event.

Zoom Home Stretch Homebuyer Workshop - Day 1/2
2020-12-01 17:00 - 21:30, 2020-10-13 16:00 - 20:30 (America/Chicago) | Online

Zoom Home Stretch Homebuyer Workshop
2020-11-05 09:00 - 17:30 (America/Chicago) | Online

Big View- Rigged: The Voter Suppression Playbook (film)
2020-10-21 11:00 - 12:45 (America/New_York) | Online
What would happen if measures were implemented to subvert the sacred American principle of “one person, one vote”? What if this plan was in place for years before anyone noticed? RIGGED: The Voter Suppression Playbook by the American Issues Initiative is a provocative, infuriating look at how voting can be suppressed in America.

The suppression of American voters, something we thought our country had moved past, yet here we are in the 21st century still engaged in this battle over fundamental rights – a battle that began centuries ago and that Americans gave their lives fighting for.

The winds of change were sweeping the American electorate in 2008, but soon, efforts were pursued to quell those winds and reverse that change. As legislative control shifted, voting gradually became more difficult, particularly for non-white, older and younger voters. This film shows how a dark plan to suppress the vote and roll back the demographic tide of non-white voters developed.

‘RIGGED’ sounds an alarm that wakes America up to what we, as a nation, are losing — government by and for the people. This is a story that needs to be told and heard.
Audience input & discussion follows film
Free and open to the public
Zoom
11:00 – 12:45 PM
Registered participants will be given the Zoom link and material by email the day before the event.
RSVP: michellet@kootasca.org or call 999-5883

Home Stretch Homebuyer Workshop - Grand Rapids
2020-03-04 08:00 - 16:30 (America/Chicago), 2019-06-18 08:00 - 16:30 (America/New_York) | KOOTASCA GR Offices-Early Childhood Hub, 822 NE 5th Ave, Grand Rapids, MN, 55744, United States
Are you thinking of buying a home but don’t know how to start?
Long-term successful homeownership starts with solid information. Home Stretch is an in-person – classroom style – workshop taught by experienced professionals. Get objective, practical information to make the best homeownership choices for you and your family.
Homebuyer Workshop Topics:

Qualifying for a mortgage/loan programs
Budgeting, credit issues, and saving for a home
Shopping for a home and realtor services
Professional inspections/appraisals
Closing/title insurance/homeowners insurance
Financial responsibilities as a homeowner
Pre-purchase counseling services
Down-payment and Closing Cost assistance for eligible buyers
Special loans for first-time homebuyers and other offers
And more!

You’ll leave our workshop with confidence, great resources, and a Home Stretch Certification! Down-payment and closing cost assistance, of up to $5,000, is available for income eligible buyers!
Please preregister, this is class is popular and space is limited.
Celebrate National Homeownership Month
FREE Registration
Call Sandy at 218-999-0828 to register.
If you are in need of accommodation (e.g. a sign language interpreter, materials in large print, etc.) please contact us two weeks prior to this event.

Big View- Breaking the Cycle of White Supremacy Workshop
2020-02-25 13:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Blandin Foundation, 100 N Pokegama Ave, Grand Rapids, MN, 55744, United States
By Donte Curtis: Catch Your Dream Consulting
This interactive workshop invites attendees to explore the ways that white supremacy is harming us and the work that we do. Attendees will reflect on how the dominant culture shows up in us (White Folks and People of Color) and will be given tools and strategies to break the cycle. This workshop uses collective wisdom in the room to foster new ideas and think about what is possible when we all do our internal work.
This meeting is free and open to the public but pre-registration is required for admittance.
Register at 218-999-5883 or michellet@kootasca.org by providing names of each attendee and contact information. Space in this workshop is limited. Early registration is encouraged.
Free and open to the public
Grand Rapids Library
140 NE 2nd Street
11:00 – 1:00 PM
Pizza served
RSVP: michellet@kootasca.org or call 999-5883

Home Stretch Homebuyer Workshop - International Falls
2020-02-11 08:30 - 16:30 (America/Chicago) | KOOTASCA International Falls Offices, 900 5th Street, Suite 304, International Falls, MN, 56649, United States

Home Stretch Homebuyer Workshop - Deer River
2020-02-08 08:30 - 16:30 (America/Chicago) | Northveiw Bank, 40 4th St SE, Deer River, MN, 56636, United States

Big View- The Bail Trap: American Ransom
2020-02-04 11:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Grand Rapids Area Library, 140 NE 2nd St, Grand Rapids, MN, 55744, United States
Film and Discussion
Money bail is one of the main causes of mass incarceration in the United States. Yet, few people know what the money bail system is, let alone how it all works. The reality is that 70% of people in jail are there for one reason: living in poverty. Low-income Americans are sitting in jails for days, months, and even years simply because they can’t afford to pay high bail amounts. All the while, private companies are profiting in the billions each year.
Audience input & discussion follows film
Free and open to the public
Grand Rapids Library
140 NE 2nd Street
11:00 – 1:00 PM
Pizza served
RSVP: michellet@kootasca.org or call 999-5883

BIG VIEW- Kids Count Coffee
2020-01-09 11:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Grand Rapids Area Library, 140 NE 2nd St, Grand Rapids, MN, 55744, United States
Every year, Children’s Defense Fund-Minnesota publishes a KIDS COUNT Data
Book that includes state data on a variety of indicators that reflect the well -being of
Minnesota’s children and families. The data serves as benchmarks of child well-being
for policymakers and citizens and help to enrich local, state and national discussions
that center on creating better futures for all children. CDF-MN organizes an annual
KIDS COUNT Coffee Tour around the release of the book to provide policymakers and
citizens from around the state with the opportunity to learn about the data and engage
on issues of child well-being.
Join us to learn about the trends in key indicators of
child and family well-being. The book highlights public
policy that has improved or could improve outcomes
for our youngest citizens and the entire state of Minnesota.
In order for all of us to be successful, Minnesota needs to continue to put its values of
ingenuity, caring for each other and supporting work into action by continuing to pass
policies that improve the economic stability, health, education, and home and
community environments for all children and families.
Children’s Defense Fund provides a strong, effective and independent voice for all the
children of America who cannot vote, lobby or speak for themselves. We pay particular
attention to the needs of poor children, children of color and those with disabilities. CDF
educates the nation about the needs of children and encourages preventive investments
before they get sick, drop out of school, get into trouble or suffer family breakdown.
www.childrensdefense.org
Any issue that has the potential to adversely
impact people in poverty may become the subject
of a Big View Community Engagement meeting.
Community members from all income levels
are welcome to attend and encouraged to engage
in respectful dialogue meeting topics.
It is our position at Circles of Support to uphold
the voice and dignity of the poor.
Jennifer Bertram
KIDS COUNT Coordinator
Audience input & discussion follows presentation
Grand Rapids Library
140 NE 2nd Street, Grand Rapids
11:00 – 1:00 PM
Pizza served
RSVP: michellet@kootasca.org or call 999-5883

Bentleyville Trip
2019-12-09 15:30 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | KOOTASCA Circles of Support Office, 811 NE 4th St, Grand Rapids, MN, 55744, United States
Come join Circles of Support on a trip to Duluth’s
Bentleyville “Tour of Lights”
Monday, December 9th
Bus Departs Grand Rapids @ 3:30pm
and Returns by 8 pm.
A light meal will be provided.
Individuals must have attended at least one Circles meeting.
This Event is for Adults Only
Please register by 12/5/2019 4pm.
Call 218-999-5883 to register!

Billed as America’s Largest Free Walk Through Lighting Display, Bentleyville invites guests to stroll under the glow of over 4 million lights in a 20-acre park situated on the shores of Lake Superior, while enjoying complimentary hot cocoa, cookies, popcorn and roasted marshmallows!

Circles of Support Meeting
2019-11-14 18:00 - 20:00, 2019-06-06 18:00 - 20:00, 2019-05-30 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | KOOTASCA Circles of Support Office, 811 NE 4th St, Grand Rapids, MN, 55744, United States
Social asset programming activities provide an opportunity for people in poverty to build skills, social assets, and engage in community life. Social support through human connections helps to ward off the effects of stress, depression, anxiety and other health problems. Positive social interaction and encouragement builds hope for the future.
Weekly facilitated meetings provide a framework for developing relationships across socio economic class and race lines. Social asset building meetings provide a safe, healthy, and consistent atmosphere to grow social skills and self-confidence.
While building a social support network, people who engage in Circles of Support learn about resources and community opportunities that can help them achieve their goals.
In order to bridge the gap between those who struggle financially in our community and those who do not, non-poor community members are welcomed and encouraged to engage in weekly meeting activities.
In addition to individual development, Circles of Support is an opportunity to learn about poverty; about the systemic barriers that keep poverty alive; and about how communities respond to poverty.
Social Asset building:
Poverty is the common denominator that brings people to Circles of Support. In addition to poverty, meeting attendees come from a diverse collection of life experiences that drive them to seek support. Examples include but are not limited to:

isolation & loneliness
chemical dependency
divorce
custody issues
domestic violence
community reentry after incarceration
food insecurity
dysfunctional relationships
physical disabilities & obesity
mental health stability
homelessness
grief
rebuilding healthy social support

The Circles of Support community meets every Thursday evening. Meetings begin at 6:00 pm at the Circles of Support office. A meal is provided each week from 6:00 pm to 6:30 pm.
Meeting discussions are designed to promote social interaction and learning. Topics revolve around an understanding of one’s self and their community as well as systemic barriers that impact forward mobility.
Circles of Support meetings open and close with very specific cognitive restructuring activities that encourage focus on positive aspects of life despite any negativity that may be present.
Relationships created through this process value life experiences and allow learning to happen across differences without placing blame. Progress toward self-selected goals is recognized and celebrated.
Skill building activities are woven into meetings including financial literacy, self-empowerment, and leadership. Additional activities such as picnics, artistic opportunities, and recreational outings are scheduled throughout the year.
Eligibility
Circles of Support social asset building activities are open to people experiencing poverty related issues as well as community members who are not in poverty but have an interest in befriending people who struggle with poverty related issues.

Meeting attendees must be at least 18 years of age
Sobriety at meetings is expected. Meeting attendees are not under the influence of alcohol or drugs
Meetings attendees possess the ability to demonstrate appropriate group meeting behaviors and respectful social interaction

Learn More About Circles of Support

Home Stretch Homebuyer Workshop - Grand Rapids
2019-11-14 08:00 - 16:30, 2019-09-17 08:00 - 16:30 (America/New_York) | KOOTASCA GR Offices-Early Childhood Hub, 822 NE 5th Ave, Grand Rapids, MN, 55744, United States
Are you thinking of buying a home but don’t know how to start?
Long-term successful homeownership starts with solid information. Home Stretch is an in-person – classroom style – workshop taught by experienced professionals. Get objective, practical information to make the best homeownership choices for you and your family.
Homebuyer Workshop Topics:

Qualifying for a mortgage/loan programs
Budgeting, credit issues, and saving for a home
Shopping for a home and realtor services
Professional inspections/appraisals
Closing/title insurance/homeowners insurance
Financial responsibilities as a homeowner
Pre-purchase counseling services
Down-payment and Closing Cost assistance for eligible buyers
Special loans for first-time homebuyers and other offers
And more!

You’ll leave our workshop with confidence, great resources, and a Home Stretch Certification! Down-payment and closing cost assistance, of up to $5,000, is available for income eligible buyers!
Please preregister, this is class is popular and space is limited.
The $40 registration fee covers your class materials.
If you are in need of accommodation (e.g. a sign language interpreter, materials in large print, etc.) please contact us two weeks prior to this event.

Dental Clinic
2019-09-23 08:00 - 16:30 (America/New_York) | KOOTASCA GR Offices-Early Childhood Hub, 822 NE 5th Ave, Grand Rapids, MN, 55744, United States
Children’s Dental Services Dental Clinic
Monday, September 23rd, 2019, by appointment. Call 612-746-1530 to schedule an appointment
Children’s Dental Services provides dental care for children ages 0-26 and pregnant women of any age. This dental care opportunity is made by possible by Itasca County Public Health.
KOOTASCA Community Action Conference Room
Central Square Mall
201 NW 4th Street, Suite 130
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
Most routine dental treatments can be done including:

Cleanings
Fluoride Sealants
Oral health education
Exams
X-rays
Fillings
Crowns
Extractions

Children’s Dental Services accepts most forms of insurance, except IMCare, and has discounts for income eligible families.
Please call to schedule an appointment or to ask about the sliding fee scale program: 612-746-1530.
For other questions or help locating an IMCare dentist, call Itasca County Public Health: 218-327-5524.

2nd Annual Community Block Party
2019-09-14 11:00 - 14:00 (America/New_York) | KOOTASCA International Falls Offices, 900 5th Street, Suite 304, International Falls, MN, 56649, United States
Community Block Party
KOOTASCA Community Action and Koochiching Area Prevention in Education are co-hosting a fun, family-friendly Community Block Party. Please join us for a free Taco in a bag lunch, scavenger hunt, Grampa Magic, egg relay, giant yard games, face painting, craft projects for the kids, and more! There will be special clearance sale deals at Frostbite Finds, and the Head Start classrooms will be open for tours.
11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Taco in a bag Lunch (No Cost)
Giant Yard Games
Face Painting
Fun Craft Projects for Kids
Kids Yoga
Free gifts & prizes
Specials at Frostbite Finds Thrift Store
11:00 am – 12:00 pm Scavenger Hunt
12:00 pm – 2:00 pm Magic Tricks and Balloon Animals from Grampa Magic
1:00 pm – 1:45 pm Egg relay
This event is free, open to the public, and all are encouraged to attend.
In case of rain, an announcement will be made on this page and the event will take place at the Backus Community Center.

AMERICA DIVIDED "Out of Reach"
2019-07-03 11:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | MN
AMERICA DIVIDED “Out of Reach”
Film viewing at the Grand Rapids Public Library with audience input & discussion following the film. Pizza served.
RSVP appreciated: robertf@kootasca.org or call 218-999-5883
This meeting is free and open to the public.

“Out of Reach”: Highlighting the special difficulties for Central American refugees in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas, where U.S. Border Patrol checkpoints inside the country, many miles from the border, keep undocumented people away from the American Dream.
AMERICA DIVIDED explores inequality in education, housing, healthcare, labor, criminal justice and the political system. The series exposes the damage inequality inflicts on the most vulnerable Americans by revealing systemic bias and celebrating heroes fighting for solutions.
AMERICA DIVIDED illustrates what inequality looks like in people’s everyday lives.
Learn More About Big View

AMERICA DIVIDED "The Class Divide"
2019-06-27 11:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Blandin Foundation, 100 N Pokegama Ave, Grand Rapids, MN, 55744, United States
AMERICA DIVIDED “The Class Divide”
Film viewing at the Blandin Foundation Stender Room with audience input & discussion following the film. Pizza served.
RSVP appreciated: robertf@kootasca.org or call 218-999-5883
This meeting is free and open to the public.

“The Class Divide”: Examining an undeserved generation of students in Pinellas County, Florida following a School Board vote ending district wide busing. This action recreated the division of the north and south sides of the district along race and class lines.
AMERICA DIVIDED explores inequality in education, housing, healthcare, labor, criminal justice and the political system. The series exposes the damage inequality inflicts on the most vulnerable Americans by revealing systemic bias and celebrating heroes fighting for solutions.
AMERICA DIVIDED illustrates what inequality looks like in people’s everyday lives.
Learn More About Big View

Home Stretch Homebuyer Workshop - International Falls
2019-06-20 08:30 - 16:30 (America/New_York) | Rainy River Community College, 1501 US-71, International Falls, MN, 56649, United States

AMERICA DIVIDED "Democracy for Sale"
2019-06-10 11:00 - 12:30 (America/New_York) | Blandin Foundation, 100 N Pokegama Ave, Grand Rapids, MN, 55744, United States
AMERICA DIVIDED “Democracy for Sale”
Film viewing at the Blandin Foundation Stender Room with audience input & discussion following the film. Pizza served.
RSVP appreciated: robertf@kootasca.org or call 218-999-5883
This meeting is free and open to the public.

“Democracy for Sale”: Investigating North Carolina’s state government programming that implemented cuts to education, healthcare spending, and environmental protections while lowering taxes for the wealthy and passing laws to limit access to voting.
AMERICA DIVIDED explores inequality in education, housing, healthcare, labor, criminal justice and the political system. The series exposes the damage inequality inflicts on the most vulnerable Americans by revealing systemic bias and celebrating heroes fighting for solutions.
AMERICA DIVIDED illustrates what inequality looks like in people’s everyday lives.
Learn More About Big View

Dental Clinic
2019-05-29 08:00 - 16:30 (America/New_York) | KOOTASCA GR Offices-Early Childhood Hub, 822 NE 5th Ave, Grand Rapids, MN, 55744, United States
Children’s Dental Services Dental Clinic
Wednesday, May 29th, 2019, by appointment. Call 612-746-1530 to schedule an appointment
Children’s Dental Services provides dental care for children ages 0-26 and pregnant women of any age. This dental care opportunity is made by possible by Itasca County Public Health.
KOOTASCA Community Action Conference Room
Central Square Mall
201 NW 4th Street, Suite 130
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
Most routine dental treatments can be done including:

Cleanings
Fluoride Sealants
Oral health education
Exams
X-rays
Fillings
Crowns
Extractions

Children’s Dental Services accepts most forms of insurance, except IMCare, and has discounts for income eligible families.
Please call to schedule an appointment or to ask about the sliding fee scale program: 612-746-1530.
For other questions or help locating an IMCare dentist, call Itasca County Public Health: 218-327-5524.

Your Money or Your Life
2019-04-25 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | KOOTASCA Circles of Support Office, 811 NE 4th St, Grand Rapids, MN, 55744, United States
Your Money or Your Life
Financial Literacy Training
Meal provided.
RSVP: robertf@kootasca.org or call 218-999-5883
This event is free and open to the public.
Learn More about Circles of Support!

Predatory Lending
2019-04-18 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | KOOTASCA Circles of Support Office, 811 NE 4th St, Grand Rapids, MN, 55744, United States
Predatory Lending
Payday lenders, schemes, scams & traps
Presented in partnership with Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union
Meal provided.
RSVP: robertf@kootasca.org or call 218-999-5883
This event is free and open to the public.
Learn More about Circles of Support!

Credit Reports & Scores
2019-04-11 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | KOOTASCA Circles of Support Office, 811 NE 4th St, Grand Rapids, MN, 55744, United States
Credit Reports & Scores
Where do I get them & What do they mean?
Presented in partnership with Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union
Meal provided.
RSVP: robertf@kootasca.org or call 218-999-5883
This event is free and open to the public.
Learn More about Circles of Support!

Using Credit Wisely
2019-04-04 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | KOOTASCA Circles of Support Office, 811 NE 4th St, Grand Rapids, MN, 55744, United States
Using Credit Wisely
Financial Literacy Training presented in partnership with Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union
Meal provided.
RSVP: robertf@kootasca.org or call 218-999-5883
This event is free and open to the public.
Learn More about Circles of Support!
